Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
I I
=
CA 2789493 2017-04-07
ILLUMINATED EYEWEAR
HELD
[0002] The invention relates to hands-free lighting devices and, more
particularly, to illuminated
eyewear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Often an individual desires a light source to illuminate an area
while performing a task or
a light source directed in a general outward direction for visibility. Holding
a flashlight is an option,
but such lighting devices are often cumbersome and may detract from the task
being completed
because the flashlight must be held. As a result, hands-free lighting is often
used because the
individual desiring illumination does not need to hold the light source.
Common types of hand-free
lighting include light sources mounted to headgear or eyeglasses.
[0004] Light sources on eyeglasses usually include mounting arrangements of
the light source,
which may be an LED, on either the cross-frame or temple of the eyeglass so as
to provide
illumination forwardly of the wearer. In such configuration, lighted
eyeglasses can be used to
provide directed or focused light so that an area immediately forward of the
wearer, e.g., 6-24 inches
from their eyes, can be illuminated for tasks such as reading typical sized
print. For other activities,
such as walking at night, camping or everyday use, lighting areas even further
ahead of the
individual may be desirable. However, prior lighted glasses configured to
=
- 1 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
provide hands-free lighting for some of these various purposes have often been
heavy, bulky,
inconvenient, and/ or have an unsightly appearance where the lighting is
conspicuous on the
Lighted glasses.
[0005] In this
regard, some prior lighted glasses have separate and bulky lighting modules
fastened to the glasses such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,541,767 to
Murphy et al.; 4,959,760
to Wu; and 3,769,663 to Pen. These glasses are heavy and/or bulky making them
inconvenient
for a user to wear. In addition, these prior lighted glasses conspicuously
mount the lighting
modules to the glasses or incorporate electronic components for the lighting
therein so that the
presence of the light modules or electronic components is visually prominent
when the glasses
are worn, giving the glasses an unsightly appearance.
SUMMARY
[0006]
Illuminated eyewear is provided that directs light forwardly from the user
when
wearing the eyewear.
[00071 The
illuminated eyewear herein is in the form of eyeglasses, either with or
without
lenses, or with a lens or lenses that can be refractive or non-refractive,
that in one aspect has
light sources arranged so as to optimize their performance. In another aspect,
the illustrated
eyewear herein has electrical components for the light sources arranged to
provide enhanced
aesthetics over prior lighted eyeglasses. The frame of the eyewear herein can
have a single-
piece construction or can have temple arm members that are pivotable with
respect to a cross-
frame member.
[0008] In one
form, the eyewear includes a cross-frame member or portion with, at least in
part, a bridge portion that extends generally laterally along a front lateral
axis. The eyewear
further includes a pair of temple arm members or portions, which can be
integral with the cross-
frame portion or pivotable about a pivot connection between each of the temple
arm portions
and the cross-frame portion. The cross frame portion includes outer front
portions adjacent to
the temple arm portions in the use configuration. A use configuration of the
temple arm
portions corresponds to the temple arm portions extending rearwardly from the
cross-frame
portion, which by one approach extends along respective fore-and-aft axes that
are generally
orthogonal to the cross-frame lateral axis. In the pivotable configuration,
the temple arm
portions further include a storage configuration with the temple arm portions
pivoted about the
pivot connections to generally extend laterally adjacent to the cross-frame
portion generally
-2-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
along the lateral axis. Adjacent to each of the outer front portions is a
light source, which in the
preferred form is an LED. The cross-frame portion also includes pass-through
portions of the
outer front portions thereof oriented forwardly of the respective light
sources. Being oriented
forwardly of the light source places the pass-through portion at least
partially within a light
projection area for the light source. The pass-through portion is configured
to allow light
projected from the light source to project through the cross-frame portion to
an area forwardly
of the cross-frame portion. The pass-through portion can be a transparent,
translucent,
refractive, tinted, wavelength/color filter, diffusing, or the like, portion
of the cross-frame
portion or member, can be an opening or cavity in the cross-frame member
/portion, or
throughbore through the cross-frame portion. In the throughbore example, the
pass-through
portion can include a cap of material fitted therein which can be transparent,
translucent,
refractive, tinted, a wavelength/color filter, diffusing, or the like.
Preferably, a forward surface
of the cap is substantially flush with a forward surface of the cross-frame
portion.
[0009]
Illuminated eyewear including the above-discussed pass-through portion in the
cross-frame portion is configured such that, with the temple arm portions or
members in the
use configuration, the cross-frame portion substantially hides the light
sources from view along
the sides of the illuminated eyewear, which preserves an aesthetic of
traditional eyeglasses. The
pass-through portion, however, also allows the illuminated eyewear to project
light forwardly
of the eyeglasses.
[0010] Another
form of illuminated eyewear includes a pair of temple arm portions, each
having rear end portions configured to rest on a user's ears and opposite
forward end portions.
The illuminated eyewear further includes a front support portion that includes
opposite end
portions and an intermediate bridge portion configured to rest on a user's
nose. Pivot
connections are positioned between the forward end portions of the temple arm
portions and
the opposite end portions of the front support portion. So configured, the
temple arm portions
and the front support portion have a use configuration where the front support
portion
generally extends along a lateral axis and the temple arm portions extend
along longitudinal
axes that are generally orthogonal to the lateral axis. A light source is
mounted adjacent to each
of the pivot connections. A battery compartment is provided in each of the
forward end
portions of the temple arm portions. The battery compartment is sized to house
a pair of
batteries, such as coin cell batteries, in a side-by-side orientation or a
rechargeable battery
-3-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
therein. The battery compartment further includes an opening provided on a
bottom surface of
each temple arm portion. A movable door is mounted to each temple arm portion
and can be
shifted between a first position where the battery compartment is closed and a
second position
where the battery compartment is open.
[00111 In yet
another form, the illuminated eyewear includes a pair of temple arm
members, each having forward and rearward ends, and a front support including,
at least in
part, a bridge portion that extends laterally between the forward ends of the
temple arm
members. A hinge is positioned between each of the forward ends of the temple
arm members
and the laterally extending front support that allows each temple arm member
to be shifted
between an open configuration, where the temple arm members are pivoted away
from the
laterally extending front support to extend rearwardly therefrom, and a closed
configuration,
where the temple arm members are pivoted toward the laterally extending front
support to
extend therealong adjacent thereto. Each temple arm member includes a light
source mounted
thereto for projecting light therefrom, a power source for providing power to
the light source,
and a switch for turning the light source on and off. Each temple arm member
also includes an
adjustment mechanism that is configured to varying the light intensity emitted
by each light
source, such as in response to manipulation by a user. This form provides
light intensity
variations that can be utilized to provide a softer intensity or brighter
intensity when desired.
10012] In still
a different form, the illuminated eyewear includes a pair of temple arm
members, each having forward and rearward ends, and a front support including,
at least in
part, a bridge portion that extends laterally between the forward ends of the
temple arm
members. A hinge is positioned between each of the forward ends of the temple
arm members
and the laterally extending front support that allows each temple arm member
to be shifted
between an open configuration, where the temple arm members are pivoted away
from the
laterally extending front support to extend rearwardly therefrom, and a closed
configuration,
where the temple arm members are pivoted toward the laterally extending front
support to
extend therealong adjacent thereto. Each temple arm member includes a light
source mounted
thereto for projecting ,light therefrom, a power source for providing power to
the light source,
and a switch for turning the light source on and off. Each light source also
includes light
modifying material disposed thereon, where the material is selected so as to
change the normal
or typical appearance of the light beam projected through a typical
transparent lens of the light
-4-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
source, such as including a translucent or diffusing coating on the light
source lens to soften an
appearance of light emitted from the light source, including a refractive
coating to focus or
diverge the light emitted from the light source, including a tinted coating so
that light emitted
from the light source has a desired color, and/or including a color and/or
wavelength filter
coating on the light source lens.
[0013] In one
form, the eyewear includes a pair of temple arm members where each temple
arm member has a forward and rearward end. Each temple arm member also has
inner and
outer surface portions that have a flat configuration and extend lengthwise
between the
forward and rearward ends of the respective temple arm members. In this form,
the eyewear
further includes a front support including, at least in part, a bridge portion
that extends
between the forward ends of the temple arms members. So configured, the temple
arm
members and the bridge portion are adapted to be supported on a user's ears
and nose. Pivot
connections couple the temple arm members with the front support allowing the
temple arm
members to pivot relative thereto. The eyewear also includes at least one
light source mounted
to the front support, which is powered by a plurality of thin, compact
generally flat disc-shaped
batteries, such as conventional disc-shaped coin-cell batteries. Preferably,
the at least one light
source is received within a cut-out or opening formed in the front support,
and more preferably
the light source is entirely received within the cut-out in the front support
so that the light
source is hidden when viewed from the side. A pass-through portion of the
front support is
provided, such as in the form of a laminate layer or light transmissive
coating, which can be
painted or dipped, extending over the opening, in covering relation thereto to
enclose the light
source therein. The pass-through layer or coating allows at least some of the
light emitted from
the light source to shine forwardly of a wearer of the illuminated eyewear,
while also providing
protection for the light source and preserving a traditional aesthetic for the
illuminated eyewear
so that, for example, a front surface of the front support can have a
substantially continuous,
unbroken configuration and appearance.
[0014] By
embedding the light source or light sources in the front support, the
illuminated
eyewear in this form has an appearance more similar to conventional non-
illuminated eyewear,
such as with the light sources hidden from view. For example, prior lighted
eyeglasses
commonly have light modules mounted to an outer surface of eyeglass temple
arms or on an
outer surface of the front frame. Configured this way, prior light modules
extend outwardly
- 5 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
from the outer surfaces, making the eyewear significantly wider and
prominently displaying
the module so it can be readily seen when the lighted eyeglasses are worn.
This conspicuous
display of lighting components in prior lighted eyeglasses detract from the
aesthetics and
appearance of the eyewear. The illuminated eyewear disclosed in certain forms
herein, on the
other hand, has all of the lighting components either mounted on an inside
surface of the
temple arm members or embedded within the front support. This configuration is
such that it is
not immediately apparent that the illumination components are present on the
glasses, instead
having an aesthetic substantially similar to conventional eyeglasses when
being worn.
[0015] In certain forms of the illuminated eyewear, the at least one light
source can include
an inward and /or downward cant so that the at least one light source
advantageously projects
light forwardly of the wearer in a field of view that generally corresponds to
where an object to
be viewed will be held by the wearer. Thus, the wearer does not need to tilt
or shift their head
to align the light sources or orient the illumination to focus the light beams
within this field of
view. With lighted glasses having two or more light sources, the light sources
can have
different vertical and/ or horizontal cant angles to illuminate two or more
different areas
forwardly of the lighted glasses.
[0016] Also, it should be recognized that in certain eyeglass frames the
temple and cross-
frame portions can be formed as a single, unitary component lacking pivot or
hinge connections
therebetween. In this instance, the above discussed cross-frame and temple arm
members and
their associated features including the lighting components will correspond to
a cross-frame
portion and temple arm portions that extend rearward from the cross-frame
portion in a unitary
frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of illuminated eyewear showing temple
arm members
in a pivoted open configuration relative to a cross-frame member with a LED
light source on
either the temple arm member or front frame disposed adjacent respective end
portions of the
cross-frame member;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an elevated view of one of the temple arm members showing
a battery
compartment cover and a light switch actuator;
-6-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
[0019] FIG. 3 is
an enlarged, exploded view of a portion of the temple arm member of FIG.
2 showing a battery compartment formed along an inner surface of the temple
arm member;
[0020] FIG. 4 is
an enlarged view of the other temple arm member showing a switch
component adjacent the battery compartment;
[0021] FIG. 5 is
an enlarged fragmentary plan view showing positioning of a LED relative
to the eyeglass frame members with a light cone projecting therefrom;
[0022] FIG. 6 is
an enlarged fragmentary plan view showing a different position of a LED
relative to the eyeglass frame members with a light cone projecting therefrom;
[0023] FIG. 7 is
an enlarged perspective view of a cross-frame member showing a pass-
through feature formed at an end portion thereof;
[0024] FIG. 7A
is a top cross-section view of a cross-frame member and a temple arm
member in the use configuration with a light source mounted to the temple arm
member and a
pass-through portion of the cross-frame member having coaxial cant axes;
[0025] FIG. 8A
is an enlarged perspective view of a cross-frame member showing a
different pass-through feature on the end portion thereof and an associated
insert;
[0026] FIG. 8B
is an enlarged fragmentary plan view in section showing the cross-frame
member and insert of FIG. 8A;
[0027] FIG. 9A
is an enlarged perspective view of a cross-frame member showing another
pass-through feature on the end portion thereof and an associated insert;
[0028] FIG. 9B
is an enlarged fragmentary plan view in section showing the cross-frame
member and insert of FIG. 9A;
[0029] FIG. 10
is a fragmentary perspective view of illuminated eyewear showing a temple
arm member in a partially pivoted position and a switch located adjacent a
forward inner end
of the temple arm member;
[0030] FIG. 11
is a perspective view of the temple arm member of FIG. 15 showing the
switch located adjacent the forward inner end of the temple arm member;
[0031] FIG. 12
is a fragmentary perspective view of illuminated eyewear showing a temple
arm member including a power source compartment with a movable door;
[0032] FIG. 13
is a fragmentary perspective view of illuminated eyewear showing a temple
arm member including an alternative switch having multiple power level
settings;
-7-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
[0033] FIG. 14
is a fragmentary perspective view of illuminated eyewear showing a temple
arm member having a rotary dimmer switch mounted thereon to control power
levels provided
to the light source for the eyewear;
[0034] FIG. 15
is a front elevational view of illuminated eyewear showing lights embedded
within a cross-frame member;
[0035] FIG. 16
is an enlarged cross-sectional view of illuminated eyewear showing a cross-
frame member having multiple structural layers and a cavity therein within
which a light
source is received;
[0036] FIG. 17
is a fragmentary perspective view of illuminated eyewear showing electrical
connections between a temple arm member and a cross-frame member;
[0037] FIG. 18
is a fragmentary perspective view of illuminated eyewear showing electrical
connections between a temple arm member and a cross-frame member;
[0038] FIG. 19
is an enlarged perspective view of a LED for illuminated eyewear showing a
frosted layer on the LED lens;
[0039] FIG. 20
is a fragmentary top plan view of illuminated eyewear showing a cross-
frame member and a temple arm extending rearwardly therefrom and having a
power source
compartment recessed in an outside surface thereof;
[0040] FIG. 21
is an enlarged fragmentary plan view partially in section of illuminated
eyewear showing a cross-frame member with a pass-through portion and a temple
arm member
pivotably attached to the cross-frame member having a light source mounted to
project beyond
= a forward end thereof; and
[0041] FIG. 22
is an enlarged exploded view of a temple arm member showing a power
source compartment in the temple arm member and a power source compartment
cover to be
pivotably mounted to the temple arm member; and
[0042] FIG. 23
is an enlarged top plan view of a temple arm member showing a light
source mounted to a forward surface thereof and a light block extension
extending partially
around the light source.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] In
general and as further described below, illuminated eyewear, which may or may
not include a lens or lenses attached thereto, is provided to project light
forwardly of the
wearer. As generally shown in FIG. 1, the illuminated eyewear 100 can be
configured to have a
- 8 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
typical eyeglass frame or frame assembly including a plurality of generally
rigid frame
members including a pair of spaced temple arm portions or members 102 with a
front support
in the form of a cross-frame portion or member 104 extending laterally between
the temple arm
members 102. As illustrated, the temple arm members 102 are pivotally
connected to the cross-
member 104 via hinges 112 at the juncture between laterally opposite end or
outer portions 110
of the cross-frame member 104 and front end portions 108 of the temple arm
members 102. The
temple arm members 102 can alternatively be integral with the cross-frame
member 104 or
otherwise securely attached thereto.
[0044] Other
constructions for the cross-frame member 104 of the lighted eyewear are also
contemplated including those where the cross-frame member 104 is modified to
include several
components or parts, or alternatives where these components are substantially
eliminated so
that the cross-frame only includes an intermediate bridge portion or member 20
connected to
lenses 21 at either end thereof. The lenses 21 can also have outer front frame
portions connected
only to the laterally outward portions thereof so that the cross-frame member
includes multiple
parts. Alternatively, only a single lens 21 may be provided extending between
and pivotally
connected to the forward end portions 108 of the temple arm members 102 with
the bridge
portion 20 integrated into the lens 21. The lenses 21 themselves may be either
refractive to
provide vision correction or non-refractive to only provide a transparent
shield for protection,
as with safety glasses. Manifestly, the lens or lenses 21 need not be provided
as the eyeglass
frame could be used only to provide for hands-free lighting. Herein, the front
support
contemplates all these and other constructions for the single or multiple part
cross-frame
members with or without lenses.
[0045] The
illuminated eyewear 100 further includes one or more light sources 106
mounted thereto to provide lighting forwardly of a wearer. The light sources
106 can be
mounted to either the temple arms 102 and/or the front cross frame 104. The
light sources 106
are preferably light emitting diodes (LEDs), but other suitable
electroluminescent lamps,
suitable incandescent lamps, gas discharge lamps, high-intensity discharge
lamps, or any other
suitable light source, such as a laser diode, can be utilized. In the
illustrated form, the LED
includes a lens 75 having a cylindrical base portion 77 and a dome shaped cap
portion 79. A
diode or illumination chip 81 within the lens 75 energizes with a supply of
electrical energy and
projects light forwardly of the LED.
-9-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
[0046] In yet
another aspect, the light sources 106 of the illuminated eyewear can be canted
inwardly and/or downwardly at angles that allow the light cones of the light
sources to
intersect at or shine in a viewing or reading area forwardly of the wearer. By
directing light
automatically to this viewing area when the lighted eyeglasses 100 are worn
without requiring
adjustments of the lights, a wearer of the illuminated eyewear 100 has little
need to turn, tilt, or
otherwise maneuver the positioning of his/her head to orient the light into a
viewing area. The
viewing area corresponds to an area in front of the wearer, such as a working
area to illuminate
an object held or being worked on by the wearer, such as a tool, book, work
table, etc.
[0047] Referring
to FIGS. 1-7, one form of exemplary illuminated eyewear 100 is illustrated
in more detail. As mentioned above, the front-support or cross-frame member
104 includes the
bridge portion 20 intermediate of the end portions 110. The bridge portion 20
is configured to
allow the cross-frame member 104 to rest on and be supported by the bridge of
a wearer's nose.
The bridge portion 20 includes downwardly and rearwardly extending side rests
22 configured
to engage the sides of the wearer's nose. As illustrated, the bridge portion
20 is a one-piece
structure having a truncated generally triangular shape, however, the bridge
portion 20 could
alternatively include other configurations, such as employing adjustable pads
attached to the
cross-frame member 104 configured to contact and rest upon the sides of the
wearer's nose
instead of the side rests 22 and frame configuration.
[0048] In the
illustrated form, the cross-frame member 104 of the illuminated eyewear 100
includes an upper frame member 24 and a lower frame member 26 extending from
both sides of
the bridge portion 20 to the end portions 110 thereof. However, the front
support 104 may also
include a partial-frame construction with only either the upper frame 24 or
the lower frame 26.
In a frameless approach, the front support 104 consists of the bridge portion
20 attached
directly to lenses, which then can attach directly to the temple arm members
102 or can have an
intermediate part to couple the lenses to the temple arm members 102. Other
configurations for
the front support could also be employed, as has been previously discussed.
[0049] The end
portions 110 extend rearwardly and pivotably connect to the temple arm
members 102. As illustrated, the upper frame member 24 and the lower frame
member 26 form
lens areas 28 housing the lenses 21. The lens areas 28 are configured to
support a variety of
eyeglass lens types. For example, the lens areas 28 may be used to support
lenses used for
safety glasses, sunglasses, prescription glasses, other protective eyewear, or
any suitable
-10-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
combination thereof. Alternatively, the lens areas 28 can be left empty and/or
the cross-frame
member 104 can be formed without the upper frame member 24 or the lower frame
member 26,
as discussed above.
[0050] By one
approach, the temple arm members 102 connect to the end portions 110 of
the front support 104 by the hinges 112 to allow the temple arm members 102 to
pivot relative
thereto. As discussed above, however, the temple arm members 102 can also be
integral with
the front support 104 or rigidly attached thereto. FIG. 1 shows an open or use
configuration
where the temple arm members 102 extend rearwardly from the front support 102,
and
preferably generally perpendicular to the cross-frame member 104 along fore-
and-aft axes L1
that are generally orthogonal to a lateral axis L2 along which the cross-frame
member 104
generally extends. It will be understood, however, that the temple arm members
102 and the
front support 102 can each have a curvature to more closely conform to a
wearer's head.
Additionally, the temple arm members can be angled with respect to the front
support and be
resilient. So configured, a wearer of the glasses can pull the temple arm
members apart and
place the glasses on his/her head and the temple arm members will then
resiliently grip the
wearer's head for a more secure wearing configuration.
[0051] The
temple arm members 102 can also be configured to pivot or shift to a
collapsed,
closed, or storage configuration where each temple arm member 102 extends
generally laterally
along the L2 axis adjacent to the cross-frame member 104. In another form, the
frame of the
illuminated eyewear 100 can be formed as a single, unitary component lacking
pivot or hinge
connections between the temple arm members 102 and the cross-frame member 104.
In this
form, the temple arm members or portions 102 permanently extend rearwardly
from the cross-
frame member or portion 104 along the fore-and-aft axes L1. Lighting
components discussed
herein with reference to the temple arm members 102 and/or the cross-frame
member 104 are
incorporated into the corresponding structure of this unitary frame.
[0052] As
previously discussed, the temple arm members 102 are pivotally connected to
the cross-member 104 via the hinges 112 at the juncture between the end
portions 110 of the
cross-frame member 104 and the front end portions 108 of the temple arm
members 102. In the
illustrated form, each temple arm member 102 includes an enlarged portion 32
adjacent the
forward end 108 of the temple arm member 12. The temple arm members 102
transition
rearwardly from the enlarged portion 32 to an intermediate portion 34 having a
narrow section
- 11 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
35 configured to rest on and be supported by the ears of the wearer. The
temple arm members
102 terminate at an inwardly and downwardly directed distal portion 36,
positioned rearwardly
from the intermediate portion 34 and adjacent a rearward end 37 of the temple
arm members
102. So configured, the temple arm members 102 generally follow the contour of
the wearer's
head from adjacent the eyes to a position behind the ears. As illustrated, the
enlarged portion
32, the intermediate portion 34, and the distal portion 36 have a generally
flat configuration. Of
course, other configurations may also be used.
[00531 Referring
now to FIGS. 2-4, the light sources 106 require an electronic assembly 50
to provide a power supply. In order to preserve the outwardly visible
aesthetics of the
illuminated eyewear 100, as described above, the electronic assembly 50 is
positioned on and
accessible through an inner surface portion 118 of each temple arm member 102.
Positioning
the electronic assembly 50 on the inner surface portion 118 effectively hides
the electronic
assembly 50 from view while the illuminated eyewear 100 is worn. The inner
surface portion
118 can have a substantially flat configuration and can be positioned so that
the inner surface
portions 118 of each temple arm member 102 face each other when the temple arm
members 102
are shifted to the open configuration. In the illustrated form, the inner
surface portion 118
includes both a lower portion 51 and a slightly raised portion 53. The
slightly raised portion 53
is preferably adjacent the front frame 104, but can also be positioned in the
intermediate portion
34 or the distal portion 36 of the temple arm member 102. More specifically,
the electronic
assembly 50 can be disposed between the inner surface portion 118 and an outer
surface portion
116 of the enlarged portion 32 of the temple member 102. So configured, no
components of the
electronic assembly 50 are visible on the outer surface portion 116 of the
temple arm members
102.
[0054] In one
approach, the inner surface 118 of the temple arm member 102, and
preferably both temple arm members 102, includes a power source compartment 54
recessed
therein, which can house the electronic assembly 50. The electronic assembly
50 can indude a
switch 56, a power source 66, and various electrical connections thereof. As
illustrated, the
switch 56 is a slide switch, however, other types of switches can be utili7ed,
such as a toggle, a
pushbutton, or a touch switch. As shown in FIG. 4, the switch 56 is
electrically connected to one
of the light source contacts 57 and also to the power source 66.
[0055]
Preferably, the switch 56 is mounted to the temple inner surface portion 118
-12-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
adjacent to the hinge 112. A switch cover 109 mounts to the temple arm member
102 by any
suitable mechanism, including adhesive, fasteners, or the like, to cover
switch electronic
components 61 and retain the switch electronic components 61 in the
compartment 54.
Preferably, an inwardly facing surface of the switch cover 109 is
substantially flush with the
raised portion 53 of the temple arm inner surface 188 so that the raised
portion 53 has a
substantially flat configuration. The switch cover 109 includes an opening 69
therein for an
actuator portion 59 of the switch 56 to project therethrough to be accessible
by a wearer of the
glasses 100. The opening can be configured to be operable for any suitable
switch including, for
example, an elongate opening for a slide switch, a rounded opening for a
rotary switch, and the
like. In particular, the hinge 112 pivotably connects a front temple part 58
to an outer or edge
cross-frame member part 60 with a pin or screw fastener 61. In order to
preserve space and
minimize the length of the electronic assembly 50, the switch 56 can be placed
in a vertical
relation with the temple part 58 of the hinge 112. In the illustrated form in
FIGS. 2-4, the switch
56 is positioned above the hinge 112 adjacent a forward end surface 114 of the
temple arm
member 102 and adjacent an upper surface 62 of the temple arm member 102.
Accordingly, the
temple part 58 of the hinge 112 is adjacent a lower surface 64 of the temple
arm member 102. So
configured, the switch 56 is positioned to be manipulated by an index finger
of the wearer to
control power to the light sources 106. Alternatively, the switch 56 can be
positioned adjacent
the lower surface 64 of the temple arm member 102 and the temple part 58 of
the hinge 112 can
be positioned above the switch 56 and adjacent the upper surface 62 of the
temple arm member
102.
[0056] FIG. 6
illustrates an alternative location for a switch 88 to control power to the
light
sources 106. As illustrated, the switch 88 is mounted to the outer surface 116
of the temple arm
member 102, such as mounted on or adjacent the forward end portions 114 of the
temple arm
member 102. This advantageously positions the switch 88 adjacent the power
source
compartment 54 and the light source 106. The switch 88 may be a pushbutton
switch, a slide
switch, a rotary switch, or the like. Preferably, the switch 88 includes a
protective cover 90, such
as composed of a plastic material, a metal material, or a combination thereof.
In one form, the
protective cover 90 operatively couples to the switch 88 to act as an actuator
or couple to an
actuator, so that the protective cover 90 can be manipulated to operate the
switch 88. This can
be achieved by the protective cover 90 being in a sliding relation to the
outer surface 116 of the
-13 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
temple arm member 102 for a slide switch, having a depressible or flexible
region for a
pushbutton switch, or being in a rotating relation to the outer surface 116 of
the temple arm
member 102 for a rotary switch. The protective cover 90 can also provide
protection for
components of the switch 88, which can result from regular wear and tear or
dropping the
illuminated eyewear 100. Advantageously, the protective cover 90 can also be
configured to
partially or fully conceal the presence of the switch 88, so that the
illuminated eyewear 100
retains the appearance or aesthetic of traditional eyeglasses.
[0057] In one
form, the protective cover 90 can also be utilized to display alphanumeric or
graphical content, such as a company logo, slogan, trademark, or the like. The
positioning of
the protective cover 90 on the outer surface 116 of the temple arm member 102
prominently
displays such content outwardly when the illuminated eyewear is in the open or
use
configuration, which can provide advertising or promote brand recognition. In
another form,
the protective cover 90 can be positioned on the outer surface 116 of the
temple arm member
102, such as in a position generally opposite the switch 56, to provide
outside protection for the
switch 56 and/or other components of the electronic assembly 50.
[0058] By one
approach, the power source compartment 54 has a narrow width relative to
the thickness of the temple arm 102 and is positioned between the inner
surface portion 118 and
the outer surface portion 116. This narrow width compartment 54 enables the
temple arm
members 102 to maintain a relatively thin shape, which can provide a more
comfortable fit on a
wearer's head than thicker temple arm members. The power source compartment 54
is further
positioned adjacent to the temple part 58 of the hinge 112 and can be
partially recessed into the
temple arm member 102. In the illustrated form, the compartment 54 includes an
outwardly
extending rim 65, which spaces the raised portion 53 above the lower flat
portion 51 of the
temple arm inner surface portion 118. The depth of the compartment 54 is
configured to house
a pair of batteries 66 to power the light sources 106, such as a pair of disc-
shaped coin cell
batteries, in a longitudinal and non-overlapping, side-by-side relation, so
that main surfaces of
the batteries 66 face the inner surface portion 118 and the outer surface
portion 116 of the
temple arm members 102. By another approach, the compartment 54 can be
configured' to
receive a rechargeable battery therein, such as a battery with a generally
rectangular
configuration. The compartment 54 can also include a recess 67 to partially
receive the switch
56, such as electrical contacts and/or connecting wires of the switch 56 that
are electrically
-14-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
coupled to the batteries 66 and the light source 106. So configured, the power
source
compartment 54 substantially hides the battery or batteries 66 and the switch
56 from view
when the illuminated eyewear 100 is worn.
[0059]
Alternatively, the enlarged portion 108 of the temple arm member can extend,
with
respect to the intermediate and rear portions 34, 36 of the temple arm members
102, in at least
two directions orthogonal to each other and orthogonal to the longitudinal
axis L1 of the temple
arm members 102, such as in a lateral direction generally transverse to the
inner and outer
surface portion 118, 116 and in a vertical direction generally transverse to
the upper and lower
surface portions 121, 123. In this alternative arrangement, the compartment 54
may be thicker
and taller than the remainder of the temple arm extending rearward therefrom,
and could
therefore support the pair of batteries 66 in a stacked or overlapping
relation or a thicker
rechargeable battery therein. Also, only one battery 66 could be uti1i7ed.
[0060] When the
batteries 66 are in the longitudinal side-by-side relation shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, the compartment 54 is divided into two bays 68, each preferably having
the rim 65
extending at least partially thereabout and configured to support and
laterally enclose a single
battery 66. The far bay 68 includes a recess 70 in a bottom surface thereof
configured to support
a contact 72, such as a blade connector, coupled to the switch 56. The contact
72 can be secured
in position, such as by a friction fit, by inserting a vertical contact wall
portion 74 into a groove
or grooves formed in the rim 65. The contact 72 is electrically connected to
the switch 56, which
as stated above, is attached to the contact 57 of the light source 106.
Specifically, a wire 76
extends from the contact 72 to the switch 56 by being secured within a space
provided within
the compartment 54 above or below the other bay 68, preferably depending on
the positioning
of the switch 56. The wire 76 can be at least partially covered by an
insulating material or jacket
along at least a portion of its length. As illustrated, the contact 72 is
configured to contact the
cathode of the battery 66. The other bay 68 may be positioned adjacent to the
switch 56 and
include a recess 78 in a bottom surface thereof configured to support a second
contact 80 of the
light source 106. As illustrated, the contact 80 is one of the elongate leads
stemming from the
light source 106 and is received in an elongate recess 78 to be configured to
contact the anode of
the other battery 66. So configured, the cathode of one battery 66 is coupled
to the switch 56,
which is coupled to the light source 106, and the anode of the other battery
66 is coupled
directly to the light source 106. This configuration allows the switch 56 to
control power to the
- 15-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
=
light source 106 to turn it on and off. While one specific configuration of
the contacts 72, 80 and
batteries 66 are illustrated, the components may also be reversed if so
desired.
[0061] By one
approach, the raised portion 53 of the inner surface portion 118 includes a
removable cover 82, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, configured to securely fit over
the compartment
54 to secure the batteries 66 within. The cover 82 may optionally include
biasing members such
as springs on an inner surface thereof to apply outward pressure on the
batteries 66, so the
batteries 66 are tightly held against the contacts 72, 80. The cover 82 is
secured to the
compartment 54 by a tongue and groove mechanism including portions or
projections of
depending sides and the distal end of the cover 82 that cooperate with edges
or slots provided
on or in the rim 65. Other suitable securing mechanisms can also be utilized.
In the illustrated
form, the cover 82 is formed from metal (as opposed to the preferred plastic
of the eyeglasses
and temple portions thereof) in order to limit the thickness of the temple arm
member 12. A
plastic cover could have an increased thickness, which could detract from the
thin configuration
of the temple arm members 102, but could be used if sufficiently thin and
strong.
[0062] An
alternative cover 83 is shown in FIG. 22 in combination with the temple arm
member 102. The temple arm member 102 illustrated in FIG. 22 is substantially
similar to the
temple arm member 102 as described above with respect to the compartment 54,
with
differences described below. As shown, the cover 83 includes a tab or
projection 87 that projects
rearwardly from a rear end 89 of the cover 83 at the lower portion thereof.
The tab 87 includes a
rounded perimeter edge, but can take other shapes as desired. An attachment
opening 91
extends through the tab 87 so that the cover 83 can be attached to the temple
arm member 102.
The temple arm member 102 includes a corresponding mounting tab or
protuberance 93 with a
corresponding threaded opening or bore 95 therein that is configured to align
with the opening
91 in the cover tab 87 when the cover 83 is mounted to the temple arm member
102 with a
suitable attachment device, such as a screw fastener 97, pin, or the like. The
opening 91 is
oversized relative to the screw fastener 97 so that the screw fastener 97
extends therethrough,
but is only threaded into the threaded bore 95. So configured, the cover 83
can be pivotably
attached to the temple arm member 102, and as such can be pivoted between a
closed position
covering the bays 68 of the power source compartment 54 and holding the
batteries 66 therein,
and an open position exposing the bays 68 sufficiently to allow the batteries
66 to be removed
and replaced.
-16-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
[0063] To hold
or retain the cover 83 in the closed position, the cover 83 includes a thin
latch member 99 bent and extending from the forward end of the cover 83 to be
offset
therefrom, and the temple arm member 102 includes a corresponding recessed
slot 101 sized to
receive the cover latch 99 therein when the cover 83 is pivoted to the closed
position. In the
illustrated form, the slot 101 is provided between the temple arm member 102
and a rear edge
portion of the switch cover 109 mounted to the temple arm member 102.
[0064] In order
to minimize the thickness of the temple arm member 102, the cover 83
preferably has a thin, substantially flat configuration, which by one approach
is enabled by
using a strong material, such as a metal to construct the cover 83. The cover
83 can further
include a thin lip 103 that projects inwardly toward the temple arm member 102
to overlap the
compartment rim 65 along a top and partially along the side of the compartment
54 to a
positioned adjacent to the lower cover tab 87. Advantageously, the lip 103
also acts as a stop
surface when the cover 83 is fully rotated to the dosed position because the
lip 103 of the cover
83 abuts and rests against an upper surface of the rim 65 when the cover 83 is
fully pivoted to
cover the compartment 54. As shown, the cover 83 can further include a contact
105 mounted to
the interior surface 111 thereof so as to form an interior surface of the
battery compartment 54
facing the batteries 66 with the contact 105 having two inwardly projecting
arms 107. The
contact arms 107 are positioned to contact, and therefore electrically couple,
the exposed main
faces of the batteries 66 in the bays 68 when the cover 83 is in the closed
position. Preferably,
the contact arms 107 are biased to project inwardly to ensure secure contact
with the battery
main faces and also to urge the cover 83 outwardly due to abutment with the
battery main
faces. The outward force causes the latch 99 to tightly frictionally engage
against the switch
cover portion 109 along the slot 101 to resist the cover 83 from pivoting to
the open position.
[0065] An
alternative power source compartment 84 is illustrated in FIG. 20. The
alternative power source compartment 84 in this form is disposed between the
inner and outer
surfaces 118, 116 of the temple arm member 102 with an opening 85 at the outer
surface 116 so
that the compartment 54 is recessed in the outer surface 116 allowing the
batteries to be easily
accessed while wearing the glasses 100 or while the temple arm members 102 are
pivoted to the
stored configuration. The alternative power source compartment 84 includes
structure similar
to the power source compartment 54 discussed above, such as the structure to
house the power
source 66, such as a pair of batteries in longitudinal side-by-side
orientation or a rechargeable
-17-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
battery, and the components necessary to supply power from the batteries to
the light source
106 including wires, contacts, and the like. Other components of the
electronic assembly 50,
such as the switch 56 can be mounted to the inner surface 118 as discussed
above, or
alternatively can be mounted to the outer surface 116 in a position adjacent
the alternative
power source compartment 84. The alternative power source compartment 84
preferably
includes a removable cover 86, The removable cover 86 may be structured
similarly to the
cover 82 or 83 as discussed above, such as secured to the temple arm member
102 through a
tongue-and-groove construction.
[0066] The cover 86 can alternatively include pivotable or rotatable
structure, such as
hinges or the like, along one of the edges of the compartment 54 so that the
cover 86 can be
pivoted about the hinge to selectively expose and close the compartment 54.
For example, a
hinge can be longitudinally disposed along the upper or lower edge of the
compartment and
the cover 86 can be pivoted upward or downward respectively above the hinge.
In another
example, the hinge can be disposed generally orthogonal to the temple arm axis
L2 on the
forward or rearward edge of the compartment and the cover 86 can be pivoted
forwardly or
rearwardly respectively about the hinge. The cover 86 may further include a
biasing member,
such as a spring, so that the cover 86 is biased to the closed position.
[0067] In the form illustrated in FIG. 1, each temple arm member 102 houses
at least one
light source 106 at an enlarged forward portion 108 thereof. Alternatively,
the illuminated
eyewear 100 could utilize one, or more than two light sources 106. The light
sources 106, as
discussed above, are preferably LEDs. In one aspect as discussed in more
detail hereinafter, the
light sources 106 can be canted inwardly and/or downwardly at angles that
allow the light
cones of the light sources 106 to intersect at a viewing or reading area
forwardly of the wearer.
By directing light automatically to this viewing area when the lighted
eyeglasses 100 are worn
without requiring adjustments of the lights, a wearer of the illuminated
eyewear 100 has little
need to turn, tilt, or otherwise maneuver the positioning of his/her head to
orient the light into
a viewing area.
[0068] In the illustrated form, the cross-frame member 104 of the
illuminated eyewear 100
includes end or outer portions 110 at either side of the intermediate bridge
portion 20. Other
configurations for the front support 104 could also be employed, however, as
has been
previously discussed. The end portions 110 pivotably connect to the temple arm
members 102
- 18 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
by hinges 112. When pivoted to an open or use configuration as shown in FIG.
1, the temple
arm members 102 extend rearwardly from the front support 104 and preferably
generally
perpendicular to the cross-frame member 104 along fore-and-aft axes L1 that
are generally
orthogonal to a lateral axis L2 along which the cross-frame member 104
generally extends (see,
for example, FIG. 5). The temple arm members 102 are also configured to pivot
or shift to a
collapsed, closed, or storage configuration where each temple arm member 102
extends laterally
along the L2 axis adjacent to the cross-frame member 104.
[0069] The light
sources 106 can be canted with respect to the temple arm axis L1 and the
cross-frame axis L2 so that the light sources 106 direct light to a desired
viewing area forwardly
of the light glasses 100 without requiring a wearers to tilt or shift their
heads. For example, the
light sources 106 cart be canted downwardly with respect to the temple arm
axis L1 to
illuminate in area forwardly and below the glasses 100, and can be canted
inwardly with
respect to the temple arm axis Li so that the light cones of the light sources
106 converge on a
generally common viewing area before they normally would (i.e., closer to the
wearer such as at
reading distances of approximately 10 inches to approximately 18 inches if the
axes of the light
cones were coaxial with the respective temple arm axes L1. Additional
disclosure directed to
canting light sources for lighted eyewear is described in U.S. Application
Number 12/895,456,
which is hereby incorporated herein. By another approach, the light sources
106 can be canted
at different angles to illuminate two or more different viewing areas. For
example, one light
source can be canted inwardly and downwardly with respect to the temple arm
axis Ll to
illuminate the viewing area and another light source 106 can be uncanted or
include less of an
inward cant with respect to the temple arm axis L1 to illuminate an area
forwardly of the
glasses and at a farther distance relative thereto.
[00701 As
illustrated, each temple arm member 102 includes the enlarged portion 108
adjacent a forward end surface or portion 114 of each temple arm member 102,
where the
structure rearward of the enlarged portion 108 can be configured as discussed
above with the
glasses 10. In this embodiment, the temple arm members 102 include an outer
surface portion
116 and an inner surface portion 118. The outer and inner surface portions
116, 118 are
illustrated as having a generally flat configuration. Preferably, and as shown
in FIG. 1, the flat
configuration of the outer surface portion 116 is entirely unbroken,
preserving a traditional
eyeglass appearance. Alternatively, however, the outer surface portion 116 can
have projections
-19-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
therefrom, such as a member at least partially enclosing the light source 106,
or other
mechanical, electrical, or aesthetic features.
[0071] In this
form, the light sources 106 are preferably mounted at least partially within
the enlarged portions 108 of the temple arm members 102 recessed in the
forward surfaces 114
thereof. By one approach, each light source 106 is mounted between the outer
and inner surface
portions 116, 118, such as mounted in a mariner to not disturb the flat
configuration of the outer
and inner surface portions 116, 118. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
light sources 106 are
recessed in relation to the lens areas 21 so that the light sources 106 are
mounted rearwardly
with respect to the lens areas 21 along the temple arm axis L1. With this
configuration, when
the lighted glasses 100 are worn, the light sources 106 lie laterally adjacent
to a wearer's eyes
rather than forwardly of the wearer's eyes like the lens areas 21. Due to
this, the inner surface
portions 118 of the temple arm members 102 preferably are opaque or light
blocking adjacent
the light sources 106 so that unwanted stray light or glare is substantially
prevented from
passing through the inner surface portion 118 of the temple arm members 102
and into the eyes
of a wearer and/or into the lenses 28 of the illuminated eyewear 100.
Alternatively, the light
sources 106 could be mounted, as discussed above, at least partially within a
projection or
tubular member extending slightly outwardly from the outer surface portion 116
of each temple
arm member 102. As shown, each light source 106 is mounted generally centered
vertically
within the temple arm member 102 where it is generally intermediate upper and
lower surfaces
121, 123 between the outer and inner temple side surfaces 116 and 118,
however, the light
source 106 can be mounted above or below the illustrated position as required
or desired.
[0072] In one
form, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a forward lens portion 119 of the light source
106 extends beyond the forward end surface 114 of the temple arm member 102.
In a slightly
different form, the light sources 106 may be received entirely within the
temple arm members
102, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In either configuration, the light sources 106
are housed to be fixed
at least partially in the temple arm members 102 to pivot therewith. As the
temple arm
members 102 are pivoted to the use configuration, the light sources 106 are
oriented to project
light to a position generally forward of the illuminated eyewear 100. When in
the use
configuration, the end portions 110 of the cross-frame member 104 are located
at least partially
within the light cones of the light sources 106 as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and
6, and is configured
so that the illumination projects through the cross-frame member 104, and in
particular,
-20-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471 PCT/US2011/024400
through a pass-through portion 122 of the cross-frame end portions 110. In
these forms, the
pass-through portion 122 is an opening or bore (FIG. 5), or is constructed of
a material, such as
acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like, that allows the light sources 106 to
project light forwardly of
the illuminated eyewear 100 through the cross-frame member 104 (FIG. 6), while
at the same
time also allowing the light sources 106 to be at least partially hidden from
view from a casual
observer. In one approach, the pass-through portion 122 is not refractive, so
that a projection
path of light emitted by the light sources 106 stays substantially constant as
the light passes
through the pass-through portion 122 to shine forwardly of the illuminate
eyewear 100.
[0073] In the form illustrated in FIG. 6, the light source 106 is received
within the temple
arm member 102 as discussed above. To this end, the pass-through portion 122
may also
include the end portions 108 including the forward end surfaces 114 of the
temple arms 102.
Accordingly, in order to allow light projected from the light source 106 to
exit from within the
temple arm member 102, the forward end 108 of the temple arm member 102
located forwardly
of the light source 106 can be transparent or translucent, can include a bore
or other opening
that opens to the forward end surface 114, or the like. So configured, the
light source 106 can be
received and hidden entirely within the temple arm member 102 to be recessed
back from the
forward end surface 114 of the temple arm member 102, while still projecting
light forwardly
out from the temple arm member 102 through the pass-through portion 122
discussed in more
detail below.
[0074] The illuminated eyewear 100 as configured in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 21
orient the cross-
frame member 104, and specifically the end portions 110 thereof, forwardly or
in front of the
light sources 106 mounted to the temple arm members 102 when in their open,
use
configuration so the end portions 110, if unbroken and opaque, would
substantially block the
light cone 120 of the light sources 106. Accordingly, the pass-through portion
122 of the cross-
frame member 104 of each of the end portions 110 allows at least a portion of
the light cone 120
to shine through the cross-frame member 104 forwardly of the illuminated
eyewear 100.
[0075] Example pass-through portions 122 are illustrated in FIGS. 7-9B. A
first form of the
pass-through portion 122 can be provided by using a translucent or transparent
material
portion for some or all of the cross-frame member 104. This would allow the
light sources 106
to shine light through the portion of the cross-frame portion 104 that
intersects the light cone of
the LED light source 106. Alternatively, in a second form, illustrated in FIG.
7, a light receiver
-21 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471 PCT/US2011/024400
portion 124 is included at the end portions 110 of the cross-frame member 104,
The receiver
portion 124 can be formed by any suitable means, such as drilling to remove
material from the
cross-frame member 104 to form a cavity 125 in the end portions 110, molding
the cross-frame
member 104 to include the cavity 125, or the like. As illustrated, the
receiver portion 124 is in
the form of a bore, tunnel, or pipe. In the simplest form, the receiver
portion 124 can be left
without additional features, providing a conduit through which light emitted
from the light
sources 106 can shine forwardly of the illuminated eyewear 100. As such, the
cavity 125
indudes a rear aperture 127 in the rear surface 129 of the cross-frame member
104. In the form
where the temple arm members pivot with respect to the cross-frame member, the
rear aperture
127 and at least a rear portion of the cavity 125 can be oversized relative to
the diameter of the
light source LED 106 and specifically the cylindrical and dome cap portions
77, 79 portions
thereof so that the light source LED 106 can be pivoted partially into the
cavity 125 when the
temple arm members 102 are pivoted to the use position without abutting or
contacting the
cross-frame member 104.
[0076] All pass-through portions 122 described herein can also be
positioned to
accommodate canting of the light sources as discussed above. Specifically, the
pass through
portion accommodates the canting of the light sources 106 by also canting in a
similar manner
as the light sources described above. For example, the pass-through portion
122 can be canted
inwardly with respect to the temple axis Li and/or downwardly with respect to
both the
temple arm axis L1 and the cross-frame axis L2, which is generally transverse
to the temple axis
L1 when the temple arm members 102 are pivoted to the open or use
configuration. The cant of
the pass-through portion 122 can be utilized to generally conform to a cant of
the light sources
106, so that the pass-through portion 122 can be axially centered with the
respective light source
106. In other words, central axes Cl of both the LED light sources 106 and the
corresponding
pass-through portion 122, respectively, can be the same. The pass-through
portions 122 can
then be shaped to be larger or smaller than the light cone projected from the
light source or
include coatings or layers therein to focus or frame light projecting from the
light sources 106 to
the viewing area as discussed above.
[0077] Optionally, an inner surface 134 extending about the receiver
portion 124 can
include a material or coating on at least a portion thereof to optimize the
light output from the
light sources 106 and minimize wasted light. The material or coaling can be
any suitable
- 22 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
reflective material or have a suitable reflective surface, such as a silver
coating, a nickel coating,
a lithium silver plating, nickel lithium planting, or the like. In another
form, if the cross-frame
member 104 is composed of an at least partially light transmissive material,
the inner surface
134 extending about the receiver portion 124 may alternatively, or in addition
to the above,
include a light blocking layer or coating configured to reduce the amount of
unwanted stray
light projecting from the light sources 106 through the cross-frame member 104
into the eyes of
the wearer or causing glare on the lenses 28.
[0078]
Alternatively, the receiver portion 124 can include a light pipe, fiber
optics, or other
light transmissive material 140 mounted in the receiver portion 124 operable
to direct light
through the cross-frame member 104 or allow light to be directed therethrough.
These features
allow the light emitted by the light sources 106 to pass-through the cross-
frame member 104
while also minimizing the loss of light.
[0079] As
illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in a third form, the receiver portion 124
includes a
rearwardly extending frusto-conical cut-out portion 126 where a base cut-out
frustum portion
substantially axially aligns with a forwardly positioned generally cylindrical
cut-out portion
128. The frusto-conical portion 126 extends and opens to the rear surface
portion 129 of the
cross-frame member 104 to create a rear aperture 131 oriented to generally
align or overlap
coaxially with the light source 106 mounted at least partially within the
temple arm member 102
when the temple arm member 102 is in the open or use configuration. The front
cylindrical
portion 128 is preferably generally centered along the light source 106 axis
Cl and opens at the
front surface 135 of the cross-frame member 104 to create a forward aperture
or opening 133
therein. Preferably, the diameter of the rear aperture 131 is sized to
substantially match or be
slightly larger than the diameter of the lens 75 of the light source 106. This
configuration
minimizes wasted light because a majority of light projected from the light
source 106 is
received within the light reception portion 124. Additionally, especially in
the form shown in
FIG. 5, the rear aperture 131 can partially receive the light source 106
therethrough. For
example, the diameter of the light source lens 75 can be approximately 3 mm
and the diameter
of the aperture 131 of the frusto-conical portion 126 can be approximately 3
mm or larger. The
frusto-conical portion 126 can then taper out to a diameter of 5mm or larger
where the frusto-
conical portion 126 meets the cylindrical cut-out portion 128. The cylindrical
portion 128 would
then substantially maintain this diameter to the front surface 135 of the
cross-frame member
- 23-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
104. A frustum and cylinder combination has been discussed for the cut-out
126, but other
suitable configurations can be 11ti1i7ed, such as a frustum, cylinder,
pyramid, prism, cuboid,
sphere, prolate ellipsoid, a combination of one or more of the shapes, a
combination of
differently sized shapes, portions of the shapes, or the like.
[0080] In
addition to the above, the cross-frame member 104 can optionally include an
insert 136 configured to mate and fit within the receiver portion 124 so that
the front surface 135
of the cross-frame member 104 appears substantially unbroken (see FIGS. 8B,
9A, and 9B). The
insert 136 can be substantially the same shape and size of the receiver
portion 124, or can be
configured to fit within a smaller portion, such as a front or rear region of
the receiver portion
124. Preferably, the insert 136 is sized and configured so that when fit in
the receiver portion
cavity 124 its forward surface 151 is flush with the cross-frame front surface
135. The insert 136
can be secured within the receiver portion 124 by any suitable mechanism, such
as adhesive,
press fit, threads, fasteners, heat seals, or the like. In this form, the
insert 136 is configured so
that light from the light source 106 is projected through the insert 136
forwardly of the
illuminated eyewear 100. Accordingly, the insert 136 can be formed from any
suitable
translucent or transparent material such that at least some of the light from
the light source 106
filters or is projected through the insert 136. At the same time, the insert
136 can be constructed
of a material that blends in with the material of the cross-frame member to
maintain the general
appearance of eyeglass frames. The insert 136 can also be refractive to focus
or spread the light
cone emitted by the LED as desired, diffusing to soften the light, and/or cart
be colored to
project a colored light forwardly of the glasses 100.
[0081] In yet
another form as illustrated in FIG. 21, the pass through portion 122 is formed
as a through-bore that has a generally cylindrical configuration and extends
through the cross-
frame portion 104 to open at the rear surface 129 and the front surface 135
thereof. The pass
through portion 122 is oriented so that the forward portion of the lens 75 of
the LED light source
106 that projects forwardly beyond the front end surface 114 of the temple arm
member 102
extends at least partially into the pass-through portion 122 when the temple
arm member 102 is
in the use position. As illustrated, this includes a forward section of the
cylindrical base portion
77 and the dome shaped cap portion 79 of the lens 75. As discussed above, at
least a rear
portion of the pass-through portion 122 can be oversized relative to the
diameter of the LED
106, and specifically the cylindrical base portion 77 thereof, so that the LED
106 can be pivoted
-24-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
partially into the pass-through portion 122 to avoid interference with the
cross-frame member
104 when the temple arm members 102 are pivoted to the use position.
[0082] By one
approach, the temple arm member 102 can include a light blocking extension
139 that extends forwardly away from the front end surface 114 to extend
alongside of the
forwardly projecting lens 75 of the LED 106. More specifically, the light
blocking extension 139
is in the form of a wall formed to be laterally inwardly of the light source
106 so that it is at least
partially between the light source 106 and the inner surface 118 of the temple
arm member 102.
Preferably, the light blocking extension 139 extends away from the temple
front end surface 114
a sufficient distance so as to extend axially beyond the diode 81 of the LED
106. The light
blocking extension wall 139 can further include tapering sidewall portions 141
that extend
around the lens base portion 77 so that the light blocking extension wall 139
has an arcuate
configuration, as shown in FIG. 23. In the illustrated form, the light block
extension wraps
around at least the inwardly facing half of the lens base portion 77 of the
LED 106. So
configured, the extension 139 blocks incident light from projecting laterally
inwardly through
the gap 153 between the cross-frame portion 104 and the temple front end
surface 114 when the
temple arm member is pivoted to the use configuration to prevent the incident
light from
shining into the eyes of a wearer of the glasses 100 and/or into the lenses 21
of the glasses 100.
[0083] In this
approach, the pass through portion bore 122 can include a rear light blocking
extension reception portion or recess 143. The reception portion 143 expands
the width of the
pass-through portion bore 122, in particular the rear portion 155 thereof, to
accommodate the
extension 139, By a further approach, a translucent or transparent cap 145 can
be fit in a
forward portion 159 of the pass through portion bore 122. Preferably, the cap
145 has a forward
surface 147 that is substantially flush with the front surface 135 of the
cross-frame member 104.
The cap can be translucent, diffusing, refractive, and/or have a colored tint,
as discussed above.
[0084] The light
blocking extension 139 can alternatively extend rearwardly away from the
temple arm end portion 110 to extend alongside of the forwardly projecting
lens 75 of the LED
106 mounted to the temple arm member 102. In this form, the extension 139 is
in the form of a
wall or protrusion. The extension 139 can be configured to abut or be closely
adjacent to the
forward surface 114 of the temple arm member 102 when the temple arm member
102 is
pivoted to the use configuration to block incident light from projecting
laterally inwardly
through the gap 153 between the cross-frame member 104 and the temple front
end surface 114.
-25 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
In a preferred form, the temple arm member 102 can include a pocket or recess
in the forward
surface 114 thereof and the extension 139 can extend rearwardly from the cross-
frame end
portion 110 to be received within the pocket when the temple arm members 102
are pivoted to
the use configuration. The wall can be arcuate, as discussed above, or can
extend generally
orthogonal to the temple arm axis L2.
[0085] A
differently shaped example receiver portion 124 and insert 136 is illustrated
in
FIGS. 9A-9B. In this example, the receiver portion 124 has differently
configured cylindrical
portions including a rearward cylindrical portion 137, which can have a
circular cross-sectional
configuration, and a forward cylindrical portion 138, which can have a
generally oval cross-
section as illustrated. As discussed above, if desired, the associated insert
136 is configured to
fit within the receiver portion 124 and have a matching contour of profile.
[0086] Another
optional feature for the illuminated eyewear 100 is shown in FIGS. 10 and
11, which depicts an example temple arm member 142. The temple arm member 142,
is
substantially similar to the temple arm member 102 described above with
respect to the
illuminated eyewear 100. For example, the temple arm member 142 is configured
to pivotably
connect to the cross-frame member 104. Accordingly, the differences will be
emphasized
hereinafter.
[0087] The
temple arm members 142 can include additional features at the forward ends
144 thereof. As shown in FIG. 10, an extension portion 146 projects forwardly
beyond a forward
shoulder surface 148 of the temple arm member 142 and extends the outer
surface 116 of the
temple arm member 102. The forward shoulder surface 148 extends transversely
between an
inner surface 152 of the extension portion 146 and the inner surface 118 of
the temple arm
member 102. The forward shoulder surface 148 is formed so as to be closely
adjacent to or abut
a rearwardly facing surface 150 of the end portions 110 of the cross-frame
member 104 when the
temple arm members 142 are in the open or use configuration extending
generally rearwardly
from the cross-frame member 104. The extension portion 146 rotates with the
temple arm as the
temple arm member 142 is pivoted to the use configuration and is configured to
be in
interference with the end portions 110 of the cross-frame member 104.
Specifically, an interior
surface 152 of the extension portion 146 is positioned to be closely adjacent
to or contact a side
surface 154 of the end portions 110 of the cross-frame member 104. This
configuration can
advantageously control against over rotation of the temple arm members 142
because the
- 26 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
extension portions 146 can provide restricting contact area in addition to the
forward shoulder
surface 148, which both have interference positioning with the cross-frame
member 104 when
the temple arm members 142 are fully opened.
[0088] This
configuration can also advantageously be utilized to provide an additional
switch 156 to control power provided from a power source compartment 157
containing a
power source therein, such as that described above, to control operation of
the light sources 106.
As illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, the switch 156 includes a pushbutton actuator
158 and is provided
on the interior surface 152 of the extension portion 146. So configured, the
pushbutton 158 is
arranged and configured to be depressed when the temple arm members 142 are
pivoted to the
open or use configuration and the side surface 154 of the cross-frame portion
104 engages the
extension interior surface 152 and the pushbutton 158 thereon. This
advantageously provides a
hinge switch without electrical connections spanning between the temple arm
members 142 and
the cross-frame member 104. Alternatively, the switch 156 may be positioned on
other surfaces
of the temple arm member 142 that are rotated to contact the cross-frame
member 104 when in
the use configuration, such as the front surface 148. Advantageously, the
switch 156 can be
utilized alone or in conjunction with the switch 56 discussed above where the
switch 56 on the
inner or outer surface 118, 116 of the temple arm member 102 provides a master
power switch
and the switch 156 on the extension 146 provides a momentary switch that
energizes the light
source 106 when the temple arm members 102 are pivoted to the open or use
configuration
whenever the master switch is switched on. Utili7ing two switches allows the
eyeglasses 100 to
be utilized without turning the light sources 106 on, in the configuration of
only having a hinge
switch, and also protects against the switch 56 inadvertently being switched
to an on position
and wasting battery life when the eyeglasses are not in the use configuration.
[0089] An
alternative configuration for a power source compartment 160 in the temple arm
member 102 is shown in FIG. 12. Additional details of the temple arm member
102 have been
omitted in the drawing to more clearly display the battery compartment 160,
however, it will be
understood that the temple arm member 102 can be configured as discussed
throughout the
specification. As illustrated, the power source compartment 160 of this form
includes a space or
cavity for a power source 162, such as two coin cell batteries in a side-by-
side arrangement or a
rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the power source compartment 160 could be
sized to
support batteries in an overlapping arrangement. An opening 164 to provide
access to the
- 27 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
power source compartment 160 is located at least partially in a bottom surface
166 of the temple
arm member 102. As shown, the opening 164 can be covered by a movable or
slideably shifting
door or cover 168. By one approach, the door 168 is configured to be movable
longitudinally
along the axis L1 of the temple arm member 102, such as guided longitudinally
by channels or
guide tracks 170 in which the door 168 has projections or extensions that
would at least partially
extend into the guide channel 170, which act to hold the door 168 to the
temple arm member
102. In the illustrated form, the opening 164 is a cut-out from the temple arm
102 that extends
from the temple arm bottom surface onto the outer and inner temple arm sides
116 and 118.
This advantageously allows a bottom surface 171 of the door 168 to be
generally flush with the
bottom surface 166 of the temple arm member 102 when the door 168 is shifted
to the closed
position, which preserves the aesthetics of the illuminated eyewear 100 to
look like traditional
eyeglasses. The opening 164 as described includes portions of the inner and
outer surface
portions 116, 118 of the temple arm members 102. In an alternative form,
however, the opening
164 could also be provided solely on the bottom surface 166 of the temple arm
102 in the form of
a slot where the inner and outer surface portions 116, 118 are substantially
unbroken by the
opening 164. The power source compartment 160 could also be provided to open
adjacent or at
a top surface 173 of the temple arm member 102 in a similar configuration as
describe with
respect to the bottom surface 166.
[0090]
Additionally, the temple arm member 102 and the door 168 may include a detent
locking mechanism 172, such as a tongue-and-groove, snap-fit, or the like, in
order to securely
and releasably hold the door 168 in a closed position where the power source
162 is secured
within the power source compartment 160. Then, when desired, the locking force
provided by
the locking mechanism 172 can be overcome to allow the door 168 to be guided
longitudinally
along the axis L3 of the temple arm member 102 to an open configuration where
the power
source 162 is accessible, as shown in FIG. 17. The temple arm 102 may include
a stop feature
174, such as an end wall portion of the channels 170, or include an extending
stop surface 174,
or the like, to provide an abutment surface that prevents the door 168 from
traveling too far
longitudinally and separating from the temple arm member 102 by rearwardly
sliding off of its
guides 170 on the temple arm member 102. The door 168, however, can also be
configured to be
completely removable from the temple arm member 102, if desired, such as by
forming the door
from an at least partially flexible material so that the door 168 can be
flexed or rotated out of the
- 28 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
guides 170 or including an indent instead of the stop 174, such that the door
168 can be retained
on or be manipulated past the indent and off of the guides 170.
[0091] Another
feature for the illuminated eyewear 100 is shown in FIG. 13. For some uses
of the illuminated eyewear 100, a variety of light intensity may be desired.
Accordingly, the
illuminated eyewear 100 may also include a switch 180 such as a slide switch
having multiple,
different light intensity level or color settings 181. These settings 181
could also provide for
power conservation, such as by having various blinking frequencies. As
illustrated, the
multiple level switch 180 includes high, medium, low, and off settings 181;
however, additional
levels can be provided if desired. Additionally, the switch 180 is shown in a
position adjacent a
top surface 182 and forward end surface 184 of the temple arm member 102, but,
the switch 180
can be located anywhere on the temple arm member 12 as desired. Other
configurations, as
discussed throughout the specification can also be utilized. Additionally, the
switch 180 may be
a pushbutton switch. A circuit board 185 may be electrically connected to the
switch 180 and
configured to include circuitry that varies light intensity depending on the
switch position.
[0092] An
alternative mechanism for varying the intensity of the light from the
illuminated
eyewear 100 is shown in FIG. 14. In this form, a dimmer switch 190 is mounted
on the temple
arm member 102 adjacent a bottom surface 191 thereof to control the amount of
power provided
to the light sources 106. As illustrated, the dimmer switch 190 includes a
rotary mechanism 192
including a wheel mounted to the temple arm 102 in a manner so that a portion
thereof is
exposed to be rotated by a user's thumb or finger to vary the power provided
to the light
sources 106. For example, turning or rotating the wheel as manipulated by a
wearer of the
illuminated eyewear 100 controls the brightness of the light sources 106.
Alternatively, the
rotary mechanism 192 could be utilized to control a frequency at which the
light sources 106
blink, which can provide power conservation or freeze frame/strobe light
capabilities. In the
illustrated form, the rotary mechanism 192 partially extends through an
opening 194, such as a
slot opening, formed in the bottom surface 191 of the temple arm member 102.
Preferably, the
rotary mechanism 192 projects a suitable distance, such as in a range of 1/16
inch to 1/2 inch
beyond the bottom surface 191. So configured, the rotary mechanism 192 is
conveniently
located for easy access for manipulation by a wearer of the illuminated
eyeglasses 100, such as
using a thumb or finger. Additionally, the rotary mechanism 192 can be
situated adjacent to a
power source compartment 196, such as the battery compartments 54 or 160
discussed above,
- 29-
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
and be electrically coupled thereto. The dimmer switch 190 may also be
electrically connected
to a circuit board 198 configured to vary light intensity depending on dimmer
switch position.
Other suitable methods to provide dimming capabilities could also be utilized.
[0093] The
illuminated eyewear 200 depicted in FIGS. 15-18 includes one or more light
sources 206 received in a cross-frame portion 204 and otherwise includes frame
structure
similar to that as described above with respect to the illuminated eyewear
100. For example, the
illuminated eyewear 200 includes temple arm members 202 pivotably connected to
the cross-
frame portion 204, as detailed above. Accordingly, the differences will be
emphasized
hereinafter.
[0094] As shown
in FIG. 15, the light sources 206 are mounted to and received within
the cross-frame portion 204. FIG. 15 illustrates possible locations for the
light sources 206,
which can include being mounted to end portions 208 of the cross-frame 204
and/or on a bridge
portion 210 of the cross-frame 204, however, one light source 206 can provide
satisfactory
performance to project light forwardly of a wearer of the illuminated eyewear
200, and as such,
any or all of the locations discussed above could be utilized. Additionally,
these locations are
exemplary only, as any other location on the cross-frame portion 204 could
also be utilized, such
as above or below lens areas 212.
[0095] FIG. 16
shows a cross-sectional view of the cross-frame member 204 having a
laminate construction with one of the light sources 206 enclosed therein,
Preferably, the cross-
frame member 204 is a plastic laminate of at least three layers; however,
other suitable laminate
constructions could be utilized, such as metal or combinations thereof. The
cross-frame
member 204 includes a cavity, cut-out, or opening 214 sized to completely
enclose the light
source 206 therein, In one example, the light source 206 is a surface mount
type LED; however,
other light sources could be utilized.
[0096] In one
form, the cross-frame member 204 is a three layer laminate of a base or
internal frame member 205 sandwiched between an outer back layer 216 and an
outer front
layer 226. By one approach, the cavity 214 is formed in the internal base
layer 205. The outer
back layer 216 can indude a thin laminate, coating, layer, paint, lacquer, or
the like, that can be
applied on a back surface 218 of the base cross-frame member 205. The back
layer 216 generally
forms a rear surface of the cavity 214 to which the light source 206 can be
mounted. This
structure allows the light source 206 and electrical connections 220 to be
positioned within the
- 30 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
cavity 214 and then be at least rearwardly secured to the back layer 216, such
as by adhesive.
Additionally, the back layer 216 can be opaque, which can then block incident
light from the
light source 206 from shining backwards into the eyes of a wearer or to areas
that are within the
wearer's peripheral vision, or illuminating the back layer 216 which can be
distracting and
annoying for a wearer. The electrical connections 220 can include electrical
contacts 222
electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board 224, a pair of
wires, leads, or the like.
To this end, the eyewear 200 may optionally embed all electrical components to
power the light
source 206 in the front frame 204, such as batteries, switches, and other
components all
electrically connected by wires or the like. Alternatively, some of the
electrical components can
be provided in the temple arm members 202 and the electrical connections 220
can span the
connection between the temple arm members 202 and the cross frame member 204.
100971 The illuminated eyewear 100 may further include the front layer 226
to cover the
forward opening of the cavity 214 and act as the pass-through portion 122.
Preferably, the front
layer 226 is a transparent or translucent layer or includes a transparent or
translucent portion
forwardly of the light sources 206, which can include a laminate, coating,
layer, or the like and
can be applied, such as dipped, laminated, spray-painted, or the like, across
a front surface 228
of the cross-frame member 204. Alternatively, the front layer 226 can be
composed of a flowable
and transparent or translucent material, such as a paint or lacquer. When
deposited into the
cavity 214 and, if desired, across at least a portion of the front surface
228, the flowable material
can at least partially fill the cavity 214 and surround or enclose the light
source 106. In this
form, the flowable material can harden to secure the light source 106 within
the cavity 214,
and/or act as the pass-through portion 122. The front layer 226 can then
protect and/or at least
partially hide the one or more light sources 206 from view as they are
completely received
within the cavity 214 in the cross-frame member 204. To this end, the light
source 206 is
mounted in the cavity and oriented to project light through the front layer
226. The front layer
226 may also be formed such that the front surface 228 of the cross-frame
member 204 is
substantially unbroken, which preserves an aesthetic similar to traditional
eyeglasses.
Optionally, the front layer 226 may only partially cover the entire surface of
the front frame,
such as only covering the cavity 214.
[00981 The light sources 206 may also be canted with respect to the axis of
the cross-frame
member L2 and/or the temple arm member axes L1, as discussed above. Pursuant
to this, the
-31 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
light sources 206 can be mounted to the rear layer 216 at the desired cant
angle or angles or can
include additional mounting structure that is configured to hold the light
sources 206 at the
desired angle. In the form with two or more light sources 206, each light
source can be canted at
a different vertical and/or horizontal angle with respect to the temple arm
member axis Ll.
This configuration provides light forwardly of the lighted glasses 200 at a
variety of angles,
which allows wearers of the lighted glasses 200 to see a range of objects
without having to move
or tilt their head. One exemplary lighted glasses 200 includes the three light
sources 206 as
shown in FIG. 15, where the outer light sources 206 are canted inwardly and
downwardly to
illuminate a viewing area forwardly and downwardly of the cross-frame member
204 and the
center light source 206 is substantially uncanted to project a light cone
having a center being
substantially parallel to the temple arm axis 1,1.
[0099] By
another approach, a light modifying coating or material 230 can be applied on
at
least a portion of an inner surface 232 of the cavity 214. The light modifying
material 230 may
be reflective, such as a silver or nickel coating or a lithium silver plating
or nickel lithium
plating; however, other reflective coatings are also suitable. Alternatively,
the light modifying
material 230 may be light blocking, such as a black or other dark colored
coating for blocking
light projecting from the light source 206, such as into the cross-frame
member 204 if composed
of a light transmissive material, to prevent glare or illuminated material
from distracting or
annoying a wearer of the glasses.
[00100] As
discussed above, when a light source is provided in the cross frame member
204,
but some electric components such as a power source 233, which can be a pair
of coin cell
batteries, a rechargeable battery, or the like, are mounted to the temple arm
member, the
illuminated eyewear 200 must include a mechanism to connect the power source
233 to the one
or more light sources 206 through the pivot connection between at least one of
the temple arm
members 202 and the cross-frame member 204.
[00101] As
illustrated in FIG. 17, by one approach, separating the electrical components
in
the temple arm 202 from the light source 206 in the front frame 204 is
achieved by providing an
upper hinge 234 and a lower hinge 236 to connect the temple arm member 202 to
the cross-
frame member 204. The upper hinge 234 and the lower hinge 236 are utilized to
provide
positive and negative contacts to conduct power between the temple arm member
202 and the
cross-frame member 204. In this example, a first wire 238 connects the upper
hinge 234 to a
- 32 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
positive contact 240 from the power source 232 and a second wire 242 connects
the lower hinge
236 to a negative contact 244 from the power source 232. Screw fasteners 246
are utili7ed to
pivotably secure the upper hinges 234 and the lower hinges 236 of the cross-
frame 204 and the
temple arm member 202. Wires in the cross-frame member 204 then electrically
connect the
hinges 234, 236 to the light source(s) 206 in the cross-frame member 204, such
as within
channels or grooves provided in or between the front and rear layers 216, 226.
So configured,
the power source 232 powers the light sources 206 through the pivot
connections between the
temple arm members 202 and the cross-frame member 204 without using exposed
wires or
other moving parts which can wear down with repeated usage and/or bending.
[00102] By
another approach as illustrated in FIG. 18, the temple arm member 202 can
include an electrical contact 248 on a forward surface 250 thereof and the
cross-frame member
204 can include a complementary electrical contact 252 positioned to engage
the electrical
contact 248 of the temple arm member 202 when the illuminated eyewear 200 is
in the use or
open configuration. By yet another approach, spring wire or the like can be
utili7ed in place of
the contacts 248, 252 to span electrical connections between the temple arm
members 202 and
the cross-frame portion 204. Similarly as described above with regard to the
hinges 234, 236,
wires electrically connect the contact 252 to the light source(s) 206 in the
cross-frame member
204, such as within channels or grooves provided in or between the front and
rear layers 216,
226.
[00103] As
illustrated in FIG. 19, an enlarged view of a modified LED 306 is shown that
may
be employed with the lighted eyeglasses 100 and/or 200. The modified LED 306
may be any
common LED that includes a housing or lens 302 of a typical transparent
material and
configuration, a LED chip or diode 304 for illumination, and electrical leads
307, such as an
anode and cathode lead, extending therefrom. In the illustrated form, the
modified LED 306
includes a light modifying coating or surface 308 thereon. The coating may be
configured to
diffuse and soften the light projected from the LED 306 and can be any
suitable diffusing
coating, including, for example, a frosted layer, a sandblasted surface, an
acid etched surface, a
translucent coating, or the like. So configured, light emitted by the modified
LED 306 is altered,
softened, or otherwise modified by the layer 308. The light modifying coating
308 can also or
alternatively be configured to mimic or resemble the color, texture, and/or
general appearance
of the material used to form the cross-frame member 104 and/or temple arm
members 102. In
-33 -
CA 02789493 2012-08-09
WO 2011/100471
PCT/US2011/024400
another form, the coating 308 may be a refractive coating to focus or diverge
the light projecting
from the LED as desired. In yet another form, the coating 308 may be a
wavelength or color
filter or a colored coating to project a desired colored light from the LED
306.
[001041 Those
skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications,
alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described
embodiments
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such
modifications,
alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of
the inventive
concept.
-34 -
